Last Updated on July 10, 2022
If you are thinking about installing underwater dock lights in your watercraft, you have probably been asking yourself, “How to install underwater dock lighting?” Well, there are a few factors you need to consider when you make this purchase. Listed below are a few important tips for installing dock lights safely and effectively. Once you learn these tricks, you‚ll be able to use your underwater dock lighting to its full potential! And once you‚ve installed your lights, you‚ll be able to enjoy your newfound fishing adventures even more!
Installation
Regardless of whether you use above or below ground dock lights, both have their benefits. Underwater lighting not only illuminates the water below your dock, but it can also attract fish. While many people want to install above ground dock lighting, installing underwater lights will improve the overall aesthetics of your water feature. The best choice is one that is properly wired. Below ground dock lights, on the other hand, can be solar or wired.
Before installing your underwater dock lights, make sure you know how saltwater affects metal. Even high-grade stainless steel will corrode over time due to the high concentration of electrolytes and impurities. However, if you want to avoid this issue, you can choose a light that is made of 316 stainless steel, which resists corrosion in marine environments. These lights also feature aluminum light housings. Make sure to hire a professional to install them to avoid any complications.
Underwater LED dock lights are relatively easy to install. Using a marine-grade cord is convenient and corrosion-resistant. Once installed, the lights will automatically face the water. Unlike HID bulbs, these lights don‚t need to be cleaned often – all you need to do is to remove any debris that accumulates on the lens. In addition to this, underwater LED dock lights require very little maintenance. Aside from being low-energy, these lights only require cleaning every six months.
Maintenance
If you plan to install underwater dock lights, you need to be aware of the proper maintenance procedures. Fortunately, it is relatively simple to do. These lights are usually powered by mercury vapor or metal halide bulbs. However, there are unscrupulous companies that try to pass off halogen or traditional incandescent bulbs as underwater dock lights. Here are a few tips that will help you maintain your underwater dock lights:
One of the biggest challenges with installing underwater dock lights is that they must be cleaned regularly. Light travels differently through water than in air, so standard waterproof lights won‚t work. Additionally, light in water is often corrosive, making it impossible to trust standard lighting materials to properly illuminate a dock. Even so, the extra care is well worth the results. For those who own a dock or a boat, underwater lights are a great investment.
Fortunately, there are now LEDs available that can replace traditional sodium underwater dock lights. These lights broadcast true-green light, which is more environmentally friendly than sodium. However, some of these new lights are prone to algae and barnacle growth. Regardless of the type, LED lights are also low maintenance and have proven to be more durable than sodium underwater lights. However, they are not as effective as LED lights when it comes to broadcasting true-green light.
Safety
Underwater dock lights are an excellent way to illuminate your dock area. However, they are also susceptible to damage if a boat passes by it. While most underwater dock lights are made from sodium bulbs, others are low-profile and mount directly to a dock post. In either case, the installer assumes all liability and risk. A good rule of thumb is to install underwater dock lights as close to low tide as possible. Once in place, make sure they are positioned about 6 inches below the water‚s surface.
Underwater dock lights are effective at attracting a wide range of fish. They can also be installed in a variety of colors to attract different species of fish. During the night, small items are harder to see. If you‚re carrying items by hand, you could drop them accidentally. By installing additional lighting, you‚ll avoid any accidents that might result from dropping small objects. Here are some of the other reasons why installing underwater dock lights is important.
LED underwater dock lights can be installed without sacrificing the brightness. They are low-voltage, which makes them a safer choice than high-voltage incandescent lights. They use low voltage instead of a higher voltage, which makes them safer for both boat dock lighting and swimming. The best underwater lights will also have a GFCI property, which prevents electrical shock. In addition to providing ample lighting, LEDs also come in various colors, allowing you to choose a color to match the rest of your dock. If you have a fish-filled dock, you can also choose a colorful underwater dock light.
Quality
When you‚re putting up underwater dock lights, the first thing you should know is what to look for. Underwater dock lights should be bright enough to attract fish and withstand saltwater and murky water conditions. You also want a durable design that will stand up to fishing techniques and the elements. A good option is the Mega-Watt LED Underwater Dock Light, which has an impressive 25,000 lumens and is backed by a US and CA patent. It emits a 60-foot-wide circle of fish-attracting light in clear water.
One thing to look for when shopping for underwater dock lights is the color. While blue lights are best for freshwater, green ones are best for deeper water environments and less likely to cause glare. Also, if you want to enhance the look of your dock, choose a green one. Green light travels better through water than blue and does not create the same glare as blue. However, green lights are more expensive and may have a short lifespan.
Waterproof lights are essential for any dock. You should choose waterproof lights made of durable materials. There are also sinking and floating options, so you can choose what is best for your specific needs. If you choose to use high-intensity discharge lights, you need to keep in mind that they generate heat to prevent barnacle growth. Some lights come with covers to help protect the light from damage but these coverings reduce the light output.
Choosing the right light
Choosing the right underwater dock light is crucial for night boating. However, you need to be careful in choosing one. You need one that is waterproof and durable, and it should be made of stainless steel with a PVC coating and high-quality LEDs that are protected by multiple layers. There are two main types of underwater dock lights available: sinking and floating. Sinking dock lights are less visible underwater, but they are still essential for safety.
Unlike sodium lights, LED lights produce a true green light. Although they are more expensive, they can produce more light per watt. LED lights can produce enough heat to discourage barnacle growth. And they require little maintenance. You can also choose a low-profile light that lies flat on the bottom of the dock. But if you‚re going for a permanent underwater dock light, you can‚t afford to risk a bulb that can break under the impact of a boat passing by.
There are different colors for underwater dock lights. Green lights are the most effective at attracting fish, but don‚t attract as many as blue ones. A white light is brighter above water, but it attracts bugs. Blue lights, on the other hand, work well in saltwater, but aren‚t as effective in freshwater. Nevertheless, they are useful in a decorative setting or as mood lighting. This way, guests will have a clear view of the dock.
Choosing the right wire shield
Underwater dock lights are a great way to improve your fishing experience and see fish more clearly. However, they do require professional installation. If you want to install them yourself, there are several things you should consider. First of all, you should be sure to purchase the correct lights for your boat. This will ensure that your lights are safe and efficient. Also, you must make sure that your lights are marine grade. If not, you may find that they are damaged or even destroyed.
The next thing you should know is that the water in freshwater is not as corrosive as the saltwater. You must choose the proper wire shield for your underwater dock lights, since even higher-grade stainless steel can be affected by saltwater. It is also advisable to purchase aluminum light housings, since they have higher durability. You should also choose lights with a high-quality wire shield, because the wires are often exposed to corrosion and must be replaced regularly.
If you plan on using a light that works well in the dark, it is essential that you keep the light at a low level in the water column. This will keep the light safe from propellers on boats and will give the best results in most waterways. In addition to avoiding the risk of tangling with a boat propeller, you should also protect your light by cutting the protective tubing to a desired length. Wire shields will also provide ties and allow you to make adjustments in order to reach the best position for your light assembly.
About The Author
Scarlett Aguilar is an infuriatingly humble troublemaker. She's always up for a good time, and loves nothing more than reading evil books and playing typical video games. Scarlett also writes for fun, and finds everything about outer space fascinating. She's proud of her work, but would never brag about it - that's just not her style.